Salt and Light

Last week, Jack and I were blessed to have dinner with three young couples who are as on fire and passionate about Jesus and the Kingdom of God as we are! We talked and shared until we shut the restaurant down. The subject came around to the Episcopal church and the statements and resolutions made at the General Convention this year.

"Resolution C056 was passed on July 17 by the 76th General Convention meeting in Anaheim, California. It acknowledges "changing circumstances" that call for a renewed pastoral response from the church for considering same-gender blessings, including state laws on same-gender marriage, civil-unions and domestic partnerships. The resolution also authorizes the House of Bishops, in conjunction with the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, to devise an open process that will invite churchwide participation in collecting and developing theological resources and liturgies. The commission is to report its efforts to the next General Convention in 2012." (from the Episcopal website)

One statement made by a Bishop was, "This is the way the world is going and the church needs to catch up!"

This is what happens when the Holy Scripture is no longer your anchor.

This morning, I was meditating on Matthew 5:13-18.

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. for assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled." NKJV

This scripture is being fulfilled in our time. The church is no different from the culture. We have lost our flavor and hidden our light under bushels and wonder why we are losing our religious freedoms.

It time for some serious self-examination in the light and revelation of God's holy Word. People of God, we are confusing God's love and mercy with what the world calls love and mercy. Jesus died to set us free from our sin not to let us stay in our sin. It is not love to condone any action we choose as a lifestyle. True love brings healing and wholeness.

We know many formerly homosexual people who have been healed and delivered of the pain that brought the confusion into their lives. They have gone on to live normal healthy lives, the pain and shame gone! that is true love. That is being salt and light.

Sex outside of marriage was a sin in Jesus' day and it still is. I can't believe how many men and women in the church live together outside of marriage and have no sense of conviction! How many children are being born out of wedlock, in the church! No sense of guilt.

It's not that I am advocating a "must, ought , should" faith walk, but it is imperative that we live our lives so close to Jesus that we reflect His truth and glory. How else will we set the captives free? I want to be held accountable by my brothers and sisters in Christ. I want to live in a realm where my life brings healing and freedom to those in bondage. God help us. We need you!